Boland stakes claim, Green timeline firms as Proteas prepare for 2nd Test

Cameron Green has returned to the nets in Gqeberha, while Scott Boland gave Josh Inglis a searching session as Australia prepares for the second Test against South Africa beginning on Sunday.

As the Proteas prepare to unleash star bowler Kagiso Rabada, the questions around Green and Inglis suggest it is more than likely the Baggy Greens will field an unchanged side at St George’s Park after the stirring start to the series in Durban.

Green suffered an abdominal injury late last month against South Africa when struck in the stomach by a full toss, while Inglis fractured a finger against Zimbabwe in a white ball series earlier in September.

Australian assistant coach Matthew Wade noted that Green is starting to get moving and could potentially return for the third Test in Cape Town, while Inglis spent valuable time batting against Australia's premier fast bowlers.

While Durban presented a classic Test wicket, the Australians are still assessing what the pitch will present in Gqeberha, where the weather forecast predicts heavy rain for the opening day on Sunday.

Victorian veteran Scott Boland served a reminder of his talents in a searching session at St George’s Park on Thursday, putting reserve batsman Sam Harper through his paces and knocking his stumps over on one occasion.

South African coach Shukri Conrad acknowledged his side needs to improve following their 214-run defeat in Durban, stressing that the team simply needs to get better rather than question everything.

The Proteas are bolstered by the likely return of superstar fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who looked in good shape after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in August.

South Africa are also weighing up several changes to their playing XI, including dropping Tristan Stubbs and bringing in Matthew Breetzke alongside a switch in the wicketkeeping duties to Ryan Rickelton.